Refugees statement

Find out what we are doing in Torbay to provide sanctuary to Syrian refugees.

We have now put forward a formal offer to the Home Office to provide sanctuary to those fleeing conflict in Syria. Torbay has pledged to welcome four families during 2016 and 2017 under phase one of a national scheme.

A dedicated multi agency partnership has been set up to oversee and co-ordinate what services and agencies the refugees will need when they arrive in Torbay. The partnership consists of Torbay Council - including housing, education, adults, children’s, and Public Health, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Job Centre Plus, Devon and Cornwall Police, South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group and community and faith representatives.

The multi agency partnership will be focusing on setting up the comprehensive infrastructure needed to support the refugees before pledging to take further refugees in future years.

We will be looking to accommodate refugees in private rented sector accommodation and will ensure there is a fair balance between meeting their needs and those of the already resident community. To protect their privacy, the partnership will not be in a position to provide any details about any Syrian families resettled here.

Refugees welcomed to Torbay through the scheme will be treated with fairness and respect and will be supported to access opportunities, to contribute to and benefit from being part of Torbay’s future. In the long term, refugees will benefit Torbay through their economic contribution and by increasing the diversity of our towns. We hope and expect that the whole community will work together to ensure they are supported to enjoy a happy, healthy, and safe quality of life.

Torbay has received a number of offers of support from local people in terms of housing, goods and funding. We are currently working with local charities to ensure offers of help are matched up with the right organisation. Here are some of the main ways you can get involved:

Anode, a local charity based in Paignton, will be the collection point for any donations provided to support the families when they arrive. If you have any household donations, which include furniture items, white goods, crockery and other household items please contact the Anode office to arrange delivery.

Anode is open working hours from Monday to Friday and can be contacted by calling 01803 556571 or emailing
help@anodecharity.org.uk False.

If you have a property, or are a landlord, that would be available to house the families please call 01803 208025 or email us at
community.protection@torbay.gov.uk False. We are currently logging all offers and will be in touch once we have more information as to how these offers can be utilised.

Volunteering roles may emerge out of the current situation and lots of practical help will be needed, such as sorting through donated goods. Torbay Community Development Trust offer co-ordination and information with regards to volunteering across Torbay. To donate your time please call 01803 212638 or email
info@torbaycdt.org.uk False.

You may also want to volunteer directly through your local place of worship and community centre.